On June 9, Interim President of Eastern Michigan University Donald Loppnow announced that EMU will allocate $39.5 million to renovate Strong Hall. The Michigan Legislature approved a request to completely renovate the building with nearly $30 million in state funding going toward the project.
Strong Hall's entire 80,713 square feet structure will be renovated, including modernizing classrooms and labs, lecture halls, student common areas and faculty offices, updating architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as creating research and instruction spaces.
The total to overhaul Strong Hall is estimated at $39.5 million; Eastern is responsible for the remaining $9.9 million under the state's capital outlay provision, as the state provides 75 percent of funding while the university is responsible for 25 percent.
Incoming EMU president James Smith said, “The renovation of Strong Hall holds tremendous significance for many future students who will come to EMU for science-related education and career preparation. The project aligns with the state of Michigan’s well-articulated goal of preparing more students for STEM careers that contribute to the state’s economy.”
Strong Hall houses science programs such as the Plasma Physics Lab, the Mars Computer Weather Simulation Lab, the Modern Optics Lab, the Laser Physics Lab and the Environmental Sciences, and the departments of physics, astronomy, geography and geology. EMU plans to close the building as early as January 2017 and reopen Strong Hall for classes in the fall of 2018. All renovations meet LEED Silver Criteria and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In a campus-wide letter Loppnow said, "State approval of the Strong Hall project marks a monumental moment in Eastern’s history and represents a significant step forward in the University’s deep and continued commitment to educating students in STEM disciplines.
Strong Hall has not received any significant improvements or additions dating back to its creation in 1957 and will be Eastern's top state capital project since 2010 when Pray-Harrold was renovated with $40 million in funding. The Science Project proves to be Eastern's most costly self-funded project, with $90 million invested in renovations to the Mark Jefferson building and the construction of 80,000 square feet of academic facilities.
After the completed renovation of Mark Jefferson Hall EMU has experienced an 11 percent increase in enrollment for the STEM field of study. Loppnow said, “I’m excited to think of what we’ll be able to offer our students in terms of the classroom and laboratory experience and academic options."
